Zodiac a sure sign of stunning sunsets ahead

From Desolation Sound to San Juan Islands

Sailing on the 49-metre schooner is an adventure.

Photograph by: Aaron Saunders

In late June, I spent four days aboard one of my favourite ships — a lovingly-restored schooner constructed in 1924 called the Zodiac (schoonerzodiac.com).

Operating out of Bellingham, Wash., the Zodiac offers everything from evening sails around the bay to full-blown theme cruises through the San Juan Islands, running as far as Desolation Sound.

While most of Zodiac’s cruises conveniently depart round trip from Bellingham, my Summer Brew Cruise was a special four-day journey that began in Bellingham and concluded in Seattle’s South Lake Union after transiting the Ballard Locks.

The formula for these multi-day sailing adventures is an attractive one: you sail the gorgeous, 49-metre Zodiac through the picturesque San Juan Islands by day and anchor off secluded coves by night. During the afternoons, guests go ashore in some of the most interesting and off-the-beaten-path places.

On my voyage, that meant touring some of the finest breweries the San Juan Islands have to offer, sampling a wide variety of beers at every one.

If you think you don’t like beer, that’s exactly the reason you should take one of these Brew Cruises — they’re very educational. I discovered I can’t stand India Pale Ales, but I love Amber ales and all kinds of heavy lagers.

While we went ashore for tastings at local breweries in Eastsound, Friday Harbor, and Port Townsend, we also had Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company owner Dave Eiffert on board as our official brewmaster host.

During the day — before the beer starts flowing — you can take an active role in sailing the ship by participating in a standard watch rotation that includes time spent as a lookout on the bow; learning about charts; acting as a radio relay; and finally, a stint at the helm actually steering Zodiac under the watchful eyes of her crew.

The most beautiful sunsets in the world seem to come out for the Zodiac. Anchored in a secluded cove for the evening, the only sounds that can be heard above the water lapping idly against the hull are those of passengers gathered on deck.

It’s a very friendly, social atmosphere aboard Zodiac; less like a “big” cruise and more like a reunion of family and friends aboard a privately-chartered yacht. You’ll pull lines, hoist sails, swab the decks — and have an unforgettable experience in the process.

The Schooner Zodiac’s season runs until Oct. 11 this year, concluding with a three-day San Juan Islands Getaway cruise.

Visit fromthedeckchair.com for our full live voyage report aboard the Schooner Zodiac.

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